Engineering and technology

Single Honours 

• Electrical Engineering 

• Mechanical Engineering 

• Computer Engineering 

• Civil Engineering 

• Environmental Engineering 

Joint Honours 

• Engineering and Business Management 

• Engineering and Computer Science 

• Engineering and Mathematics 

• Engineering and Physics 

SOURCE: COMMON DEGREE TITLES FROM WHATUNI

Alternative options  

• Foundation years Foundation years provide a solid grounding in the mathematical and technical points required to start a degree, for those aspiring to pursue careers in engineering but who may not meet the entry requirements for traditional undergraduate programs. 

• Sandwich degrees Sandwich degrees offer students the opportunity to gain practical experience through a year of industrial placements or internships, usually ‘sandwiched’ between Years 2 and 3. This extra year enhances employability and industry knowledge. 

• Integrated Master’s This route combines undergraduate and postgraduate studies, meaning that you graduate with a Master’s degree and advanced technical and research skills, without paying the usual postgraduate fees. 

• Degree apprenticeships Typically lasting between three and six years, a degree apprenticeship means that you’ll earn as you learn, gaining practical experience and academic qualifications at the same time. And if that weren’t enough, your employer will also pay for your tuition fees. 

SOURCE: WHATUNI

You’ll need a strong foundation in STEM subjects at A-level (or equivalent). Most engineering programs require you to have studied subjects such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, or computer sciences. 

Engineering and technology courses look at a wide range of specialist areas. If it’s got moving parts, running water, or electric wires, then chances are there’s a field of engineering that deals with it. There are many digital fields within technology too, from coding and software programming all the way up to user interfacing and web design. 

Some of these specialisations include: 

• Electrical engineering Involves the study and application of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism to develop systems such as power generation and distribution, as well as electronic circuits. 

• Data science Data scientists take huge quantities of information to extract useful information that informs the way products are developed, businesses make decisions, and policies are shaped.  

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) AI is the branch of computer science that develops intelligent machines capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence. AI technologies drive advancements in automation, robotics, healthcare, and much more. 

• Civil engineering Our built environment is the work of civil engineering. From roads, bridges, buildings, and water supply systems, civil engineers apply principles of mathematics and physics to ensure the safety, sustainability, and functionality of civil infrastructure. 

• Environmental engineering Environmental challenges are among the most pressing in our modern world, and environmental engineers are at the forefront of this work. It looks at projects such as waste management, pollution control, water treatment, and renewable energy systems. 

• Mathematics for engineering 

• Physics  

• Classical mechanics 

• Electrical engineering fundamentals 

• Materials science 

• Computer programming  

• Control systems and automation 

• Structural engineering 

• Renewable energy technologies 

• Machine learning 

You’ll learn theoretical principles of applied maths, which can prove useful in a huge variety of future circumstances, from the most complex research projects to simply doing your own accounting and financial management.  

You’ll also gain practical skills through hands-on learning and collaborative teamwork, enabling you to work as part of an interdisciplinary team. You’ll also learn to think outside the box, coming up with creative problem-solving solutions for a variety of situations, making you a highly versatile graduate with a lot to offer. 

Additionally, you’ll pick up transferable skills that will enable you to work in a wide range of professional workplaces. These include: 

• Teamwork 

• Critical thinking 

• Data fluency 

• Leadership 

• Communication 

In the United Kingdom, the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers IMechE, provides accreditation for a large number of engineering degrees, ensuring that graduates meet high standards of knowledge and competence. 

You’ll later be able to apply for full chartered status, which signals your expertise to future employers and makes you extremely credible when it comes to securing competitive employment. 

If you’re looking for a few alternatives to studying engineering and technology, then there are plenty to choose from. Take look at the following degree options and consider whether they might be a good fit for you: 

• Computer science 

• Physics 

• Mathematics 

• Architecture 

You’ll have loads of job opportunities with the skills learned in an engineering and technology degree. These may directly lead to practical engineering roles working on real-world technology projects for public or private organisations.  

Your skills are valued all over the world, giving you the chance to travel and make significant contributions to people’s lives through technological innovation and creative problem solving.  Graduates may pursue careers as: 

• Electrical engineer 

• Computer programmer 

• Mechanical engineer 

• Aerospace engineer 

• Environmental consultant 

• Software designer 

• Chemical engineer 

• Systems analyst 

• Civil engineer 

These are just a few of the most common job roles. You'll find plenty of other options available to you, and you can also continue your studies by completing a postgraduate degree in engineering and technology or a related subject.